Old Fashioned Snowball Cookies

Sweet, lovely Snowball Cookies are the perfect Christmas cookie! Made with just 6 ingredients, these cookies are buttery, loaded with little bits of pecans, and are melt in your mouth delicious.

Sweet, lovely Snowball Cookies are the perfect Christmas cookie! Made with just 6 ingredients, these cookies are buttery, loaded with little bits of pecans, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They are wonderful to give as a homemade treat and a must-make to share with your loved ones during the holidays.

Snowball Cookies in a metal tin for gift giving at Christmas.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission. (Privacy Policy)

These sweet little babies are my ABSOLUTE favorite Christmas cookies! I love them. They are like the ideal mix of butter and pecans with a light texture. Then, when you roll them not once but twice in powdered sugar, you’ve got something magical!

Snowball Cookies are a classic recipe most often made during the holidays. This light, not-too-sweet cookie is the ideal treat at Christmas, but now that I’m thinking about it, I think They are so delicious they should be made any time of the year!

Why do my Snowball Cookies crumble or fall apart?

If your cookies are falling apart, the dough might be too dry. Measure your butter and flour carefully and mix just until the dough comes together. If the dough still feels crumbly, add a tiny splash of milk to bring it together.

How do I get the powdered sugar to stick perfectly?

The trick is rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re warm—just a few minutes out of the oven. Then use my trick of rolling them again after they’ve cooled completely. This double-dip gives them a sweet and beautiful finish!

Can I make Snowball Cookies ahead of time, and how should I store them?

You sure can! Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for a week at room temp or freeze beautifully for up to a month.

Snowball Cookies with pecans and powdered sugar in a bowl.

Snowball Cookies also go by a couple of other names you might be familiar with. They are sometimes called Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes. They are super yummy and served with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They are fantastic with mulled apple cider.

What You Need To Make Snowball Cookies

  • Confectioners Sugar
  • Butter
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
  • Flour
  • Pecans
Snowball Cookies dipped in powdered sugar made with chopped pecans.

How To Make These Cookies

  • Cream together the butter and sugar then add in the vanilla. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer, which is what I use.
  • Next, add in the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped pecans until the batter is well-mixed.
  • Scoop out the dough and shape it into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven.
  • While the cookies are warm, roll them in powdered (confectioners) sugar.
  • Once the cookies are cool, roll them a second time in the sugar to make them extra special and delicious.
  • Lastly, pop one in your mouth for the best sweet bite ever!
Snowball Cookies in a metal tin under the Chrismas tree.

More Holiday Treats You’ll Love

If you tried this Snowball Cookies Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!

Snowball Cookies in a metal tin for gift giving at Christmas.

Old Fashioned Snowball Cookies

5 from 7 reviews
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 35 cookies
Calories: 112kcal
Print Pin Rate
Sweet, lovely Snowball Cookies are the perfect Christmas cookie! Made with just 6 ingredients, these cookies are buttery, loaded with little bits of pecans, and are melt in your mouth delicious.

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½  cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar to roll cookies in

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix. Add the flour, and salt and mix until incorporated.
  • Gently fold in pecans. Using a #40 (about 1 ½ tablespoon) scoop, measure out dough and roll into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for approximately 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 5-8 minutes. While cookies are warm roll in powdered sugar. Let cookies cool completely then roll in sugar a second time.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes:

  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 112kcal · Carbohydrates: 13g · Protein: 1g · Fat: 7g · Saturated Fat: 4g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g · Monounsaturated Fat: 3g · Trans Fat: 0.2g · Cholesterol: 14mg · Sodium: 18mg · Potassium: 21mg · Fiber: 0.5g · Sugar: 5g · Vitamin A: 164IU · Vitamin C: 0.03mg · Calcium: 5mg · Iron: 0.4mg
2 images of Snowball Cookies for Pinterest.

Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!

Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




14 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are so good I make them every Christmas! I’ve been making these for 45 years and I was Happy to find yours! I make mine the same way! Great minds think alike!

  2. 5 stars
    Thank you for recipe snowball cookies they were awesome double sugar is
    The best three batches gone in twenty minutes
    Five stars 🌟

  3. I have sweet memories of these cookies! My mom used to make them every Christmas and I’ve looked for a recipe to give them a try myself. This looks great! Thanks! (I love so many of your recipes AND your newsletter!)
    A Happy Fan,
    ~Kathy

    1. Hey Kathy!
      Thank you for your kind words. I hope you’ll try the recipe. It’s really easy and the cookies are SO GOOD.
      You’ve made my day!
      ~Donya

Clicky